ISFP Personality Type – The “Artist”

Introverted (I), Sensing (S), Feeling (F) and Perceiving (P)

The ISFP personality type is nicknamed the "Artist" and belongs to the SP Creator temperament.
ISFPs live in the present and yearn for
freedom. They are artistic, aesthetically
inclined and sensitive. They are happiest
when they are being creative and expressing themselves. They are loyal, warm and private. ISFPs are cooperative and adaptable. They seek the balance between closeness and independence.

ISFPs direct their energy inward. They often keep to themselves and are hard to get to know. They are deliberate and independent. They do not like being the center of attention. As Sensors, Artists process information through their five senses. They appreciate beauty and desire to create it. They live in the moment and are practical. Artists are Feelers that make decisions with their heart. They are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. They are gentle. Artists are adaptable and relaxed. They dislike routine and like to keep their options open. Artists usually have a carefree attitude.

ISFPs are warm and affectionate once they feel comfortable in a relationship. They are offended by people who are domineering and insensitive to other people's feelings. They dislike talking about their relationships and prefer to show they care by being helpful. They do not like feeling manipulated. They value trust and are loyal.

"The only routine with
me is no routine at all." — Jacqueline Kennedy

Artists are concrete learners. They learn by asking questions and through hands-on experience. With all their senses engaged, they become totally absorbed in the learning process. They learn best in environments that provide variety and artistic outlets.

Describing an ISFP

ISFPs can often be described with these words. They commonly posess the following strengths and weaknesses.

Characteristic of an ISFP

Harmonious

Creative

Adaptable

Warm

Loyal

Gentle

Independent

Sensitive

Friendly

Sensation-loving

Deliberate

Aesthetically inclined

Relaxed

Private

Cooperative

Carefree

Helpful

Typical Strengths

Laid back and adaptable

Good at listening

Warm and friendly

Takes commitments seriously

Creative and artistic

Possible Weaknesses

May appear unmotivated

Hard to get to know

Dislikes long-term planning

Tends to withdraw

ISFPs make up 6% of all 16
personality types. Of the SP types, ISFPs are the least
common (along with ISTPs). ISFPs are the third most common
type among Introverts.

1 in every 20 males is an ISFP (5% of
all males). 1 in every 14 females is an ISFP (7%
of all females). Male ISFPs are one of the least common
type-gender combinations.

There are more female ISFPs than
there are male ISFPs. Just over 40% of ISFPs are male. One reason there are more female ISFPs
is that females tend to be Feelers (F)
while males are more often Thinkers (T).

ISFP Preferences

Introverted (I)

Introversion is characterized by a preference to focus on the inside world. As introverts, ISFPs are energized by spending time alone or with a small, familiar group. They find large group gatherings draining because they seek depth instead of breadth of relationships.
Like other introverts, ISFPs process information internally.
They are often great listeners.

Feeling (F)

As Feeling people, ISFPs are subjective.
They make decisions based on their principles and values.
They are ruled by their heart instead of their head.
ISFPs judge situations and others based on their feelings and extenuating circumstances.
They seek to please others and want to be appreciated.
They value harmony and empathy.

Sensing (S)

Sensing focuses on the present.
As sensors, ISFPs are "here and now" people.
They are factual and process information through the five senses.
They see things as they are because they are concrete and literal thinkers.
They trust what is certain.
ISFP value realism and common sense.
They like ideas with practical applications.

Perceiving (P)

Perceiving refers to a person's adaptability and flexibility.
Artists are random thinkers who prefer to keep their options open.
They thrive with the unexpected and are open to change.
They are spontaneous and often juggle several projects at once.
They enjoy starting a task better than finishing it.
Artists play as they work.

ISFP Cognitive Functions

Every person engages the world through four Cognitive Functions.
The ISFP's primary function is Introverted Feeling and secondary is Extraverted Sensing.

Introverted Feeling (Primary)

ISFPs use this function most often. When Feeling (F), Artists make decisions based on feelings, so the Introverted Feeling function allows them to know what they value.
It is the ability to see through others and know what they are like as if the ISFP had internal radar.
There is a desire to connect when they identify a person with similar values.

Extraverted Sensing (Secondary)

ISFPs use of this function is somewhat high. Through Sensing (S), ISFPs process data with their five senses.
The Extraverted Sensing function allows them to process life through their experiences.
It is being aware of what is seen, smelled, touched, heard and tasted.
It is being energized by experience and living "in the moment."

Introverted Intuition (Tertiary)

ISFPs use this function but to a lesser degree. With Intuition (N), ISFPs process data through impressions, possibilities and meanings. Introverted Intuition enables Artists to have a sense about the future.
It is the ability to grasp a pattern or plan.
Information that is hard to understand and dissect is more easily processed through Introverted Intuition.

Extraverted Thinking (Least)

ISFPs use this function least of the four. While Thinking (T), ISFPs make decisions based on logic.
The Extraverted Thinking function enables them to organize and categorize items such as thoughts and arguments.
It is the ability to see the logical consequences of actions.
It follows sequence and organization.

ISFPs and Work

Artists want to make a contribution through their skills and abilities. They enjoy helping others. They are agreeable and easy to get along with. Artists are skilled at using tools and with problem solving. They are artistic and thrive when they are given the freedom to create. Artists like variety in their work. They yearn for compliments on their performance.

ISFP Career Matches

People with the ISFP personality type may find satisfaction with the following careers which tend to match well with their Artist personality.

Conclusion

ISFPs are harmonious, kind and sensitive to the feelings of others. They yearn for freedom to create and express themselves. Their greatest gift is their desire to help and contribute to the well-being of others.